The Tampa Bay Chamber and local leaders are taking to new heights their advocacy in support of the Community Investment Tax Renewal. It's a race against the clock with early voting in full swing and election day a week from Tuesday. Working with our Chamber Member Company, OutFront Media, new highway billboards were started across Hillsborough County this week. The digital billboards urging voters to approve the CIT renewal appear on the major thoroughfares of I-275, I-4 and Gandy Boulevard. The placement across the four Hillsborough County districts was made possible by the extra efforts of OutFront Media - identifying strategic locations from inventory unscathed by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
And this morning, local mayors arrived to at the Chamber's Board Room to film impassioned and sobering messages about infrastructure needs funded by CIT since 1996 and projects waiting on future funding. Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Gwen Myers talking about storm water projects, road repairs, police equipment, and more - all funded by this sales tax. Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton, filming his message on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay Chamber videos on CIT Renewal links/ Click to view each one: Plant City Mayor, Tampa Mayor, Temple Terrace Mayor, Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair and Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors.
“Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action,” said Dr. Bob Rohrlack, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber. “Our community is facing the real danger of losing critical infrastructure and education funding for decades to come, because of temporary factors of two hurricanes weeks apart and that aftermath, as well as a politically charged presidential campaign. Both are high-profile issues of major relevance, but the long-term effects of a NO vote on CIT Renewal and the Millage Referendum for Hillsborough Public Schools will have a negative impact on local residents for generations to come.”
The Chamber’s position in support of CIT Renewal: This is not a new tax. The revenue generated will be allocated to projects across Hillsborough County and all residents will benefit from this renewal. CIT funding means support for public safety, transportation and infrastructure-only projects for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
The increased advocacy on highway billboards and within the business community comes after weeks of communication with Chamber members, the May and September votes by our BOD taking a public stand in favor of CIT Renewal and the School Referendum, plus the creation of a new webpage. In recent weeks, the Chamber’s awareness campaign has reached approximately 85,000 members by way of the weekly newsletters, and social media platforms, alone.
“In the wake of recent storms, the Tampa Bay Chamber must continue to be resilient and steadfast in our support of CIT renewal during this critical vote on November 5th. Not only must we continue to help our region get back on its feet right now, we must also look to its future,” said Chairman Brian Adcock of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors.
"For nearly 30 years, CIT has paid for critical needs including police, fire, roads, bridges, parks and schools. It's been used to build fire stations, buy ambulances, complete stormwater projects, repave neighborhood streets and reduce traffic congestion. And 20% of CIT tax dollars come from visitors to Hillsborough County instead of from local residents. Having visitors pay for our infrastructure? That's a great deal," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "Our quality of life depends on good infrastructure, and good infrastructure depends on you supporting the CIT renewal."
Stay tuned for Chamber videos filmed with local leaders. Video links will be added to this digital news release and Chamber website by Monday October 28, 2024. Chamber representatives are available to media partners seeking more information on these efforts or subject experts to include in your coverage of these ballot issues. To schedule, contact Lissette Campos via email.